Caregivers need a plan that's accessible to all

Taking care of the person he'd loved since the age of 16 was the natural thing to do for Tom G. Even after a stroke left her in need of constant care, he never left her side. Then, suddenly it was he who was rushed to the hospital.

Now is the time to get your information in order, especially as hurricane season approaches. It's easy to become complacent and forget how quickly a storm like Charley or Andrew can change life forever. (Herald-Tribune archive) (

The couple had no children. They didn't have close neighbors willing to step in. While her husband was whisked away by ambulance, she was in a state of panic, fearful for her husband, and for her own well-being. She felt disoriented, unable to cope. Authorities could not easily get information about her health, medications, next of kin, or what her wishes might be if something happened to Tom.

Like most of us, Tom and Mary thought they were doing OK. They hadn't really thought about what could happen.

Life can change quickly. Without a plan, chaos takes over.

Now is the time to get your information in order, especially as hurricane season approaches. It's easy to become complacent and forget how quickly a storm like Charlie or Andrew can change life forever.

Take some time to let others know your wishes, and to make sure all your information is easily accessible should it be needed.

The Vial of Life (www.vialoflife.com) is one of the best-known means of making sure your medical and personal information is easy to find for emergency workers. It's a simple one-page form. Along with personal information, it includes information on emergency contacts, medical conditions, medications, physician contacts and insurance information. You can attach advanced directives, durable power of attorney for health care, do not resuscitate and organ donor information.

Some Vial of Life kits include a sticker for your door to notify EMTs that you have your information together and will know to look for it either inside the vial in your refrigerator or on the refrigerator door. You may also wish to include additional information about your wishes, special conditions or additional people to contact.
NEEDS REGISTRIES

With hurricane season rapidly approaching now, before a disaster is the time to file with the special needs registry in your county. In Sarasota, call (941) 861-5000 for information. While citizens are encouraged to make their own evacuation and shelter plans if possible, the Special Needs Application is designed to address the needs of people with special medical conditions, or need for transportation to a shelter.

LOCAL RESOURCES

If you don't have a support system nearby, it's important to make sure your wishes and plans are shared by people who can help. This might include a home health agency, a geriatric care manager, your attorney, a member of the clergy or other trusted designee who has access to your information should an emergency arise.

Senior Friendship Centers Caregiver Resource Centers in Sarasota (941.556.3268) and Venice (941.584.0050) can be helpful resources in helping you to identify your options.

We all want the best for our loved ones but without a plan for ourselves, we also make them vulnerable. Not having a plan puts everyone at risk. Having one can spare worry and bring great relief, and it just may save your life or the life of the one you care for.

Paula Falk is the director of the Caregiver Resource Center and Adult Day Service Program at The Living Room at Senior Friendship Centers' Sarasota campus. The Caregiver Resource Center is a community collaboration of agencies and businesses offering services and products to help caregivers through one of life's more challenging times. For information, call 556-3270, email pfalk@friendshipcenters.org, or visit www.friendshipcenters.org

Last modified: June 4, 2012
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